Also, under Brezhnev, Andropov & Chernenko, the media were more controlled by--or at least, less inclined to criticize--the government, and public gatherings were more restricted. When public rallies became more common, nationalists had a better chance to find each other and organize movements, as well as get popular support. I guess they were taking a hint from Gorbachev, but probably Gorbachev had no idea they would take it so far!
The 1968 Prague crackdown must have left the republics with a strong sense of the danger of challenging Soviet authority; they seem to have been careful in the beginning with Gorbachev, too. But his more relaxed policies seem to have reduced this fear, and the more the nationalists gained, the more they pushed for. There seems to have been genuine surprise in Armenia and Lithuania when tanks rolled in--they weren't expecting it from Gorbachev.
I wonder why rebellion in Baltic Countries and in Caucasus did not start when Soviet power was so weak, in late Brezhnev era or during Chernenko's year! Were they expecting Gorbachev's hint??
Also, under Brezhnev, Andropov & Chernenko, the media were more controlled by--or at least, less inclined to criticize--the government, and public gatherings were more restricted. When public rallies became more common, nationalists had a better chance to find each other and organize movements, as well as get popular support. I guess they were taking a hint from Gorbachev, but probably Gorbachev had no idea they would take it so far!
woodbineRed 3 years ago
The 1968 Prague crackdown must have left the republics with a strong sense of the danger of challenging Soviet authority; they seem to have been careful in the beginning with Gorbachev, too. But his more relaxed policies seem to have reduced this fear, and the more the nationalists gained, the more they pushed for. There seems to have been genuine surprise in Armenia and Lithuania when tanks rolled in--they weren't expecting it from Gorbachev.
woodbineRed 3 years ago
I wonder why rebellion in Baltic Countries and in Caucasus did not start when Soviet power was so weak, in late Brezhnev era or during Chernenko's year! Were they expecting Gorbachev's hint??
sihayab16247 3 years ago 2